Kelly Meets…Beverly Hills
Kelly Prehn always has a suitcase packed and ready to go in her Hong Kong home. ‘I am so lucky to have been travelling most weeks since I was 17 years old, and every time I get on a plane I am excited about what I will discover’ she said. From top model to Creative Director, Kelly is also the British Fashion Ambassador harnessing her influence and celebrity to boost Brand Britain. Just announced as ‘The most powerful woman in fashion in China' by ELLE Magazine, Kelly is seen at the world’s most glamorous events and exclusive soirees. Discovered by Models One agency on a school trip to Covent Garden in London, Kelly always wanted to go to Beverly Hills. ‘When I started my career, it was the first place I wanted to go to…but in years of modelling and being lucky to go everywhere for shoots and shows from Paris and Milano, through to Tokyo and New York – LA was still missing off my checklist’ said Kelly who was chosen as the global muse by Mr Shu Uemura. ‘So when I got invited to Los Angeles for the Jackie Collins auction at Bonham’s, I knew it was perfect timing. Beverly Hills exceeded my expectations – I love it!’ Beverly Hills evokes images of true Hollywood glamour, beauty and decadence. This is Kelly’s exclusive glimpse for PRECIOUS into where she hangs out…
So you love shopping? There really is nowhere better than legendary Rodeo Drive for some serious retail therapy. Lined with iconic showcase stores like Chanel (400 N Rodeo Dr) and Dolce & Gabbana (312 North Rodeo Drive), Rodeo Drive is also home to unexpected treasures. Battistoni (9536 Wilshire Blvd) is a must for men that are looking for something with Italian vavavoom and to be served by incredibly knowledgeable service staff. Robert took care of us so well – he can guess sizes at the blink of an eye and recommends pieces that really work. Later on I found out he is a local legend and has been looking after the who’s who of Beverly Hills men for many years. Virginia Pereira at David Webb (Beverly Wilshire Hotel. 9500 Wilshire Boulevard) is a wonderful fountain of knowledge of the high jewellery scene and has amazing taste. Downward dog your way to uber cool Alo Yoga (370 N. Canon Drive), which has the coolest workout gear going - and have a fresh coconut from the bar whilst shopping or grabbing a class.
For the true Beverly Hills experience, The Beverly Hills Hotel, now owned by Dorchester Collection is spellbinding for film lovers. The pink decor of the hotel with the green banana leaves are irresistible (and very ‘on theme’ for your own Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda moment). Nestled among lush tropical gardens in the heart of Beverly Hills, it is easy walking distance of Century City and Rodeo Drive. Ask your travel agent to lobby for the bungalows for the authentic experience – I trust Andrew Satkowiak at The Luxury Travel Agency Toronto for all worldwide travel as they have a personal touch.
For the best people watching in town – head to the hotel that starred in Pretty Woman featuring Julia Roberts. Blvd Lounge (9500 Wilshire Blvd) is art deco style and has an amazing atmosphere all day long with a live jazz pianist and lots happening on each table. Try the artichoke and truffle dip – delicious! The eclectic crowd is a mix between Monaco’s Hotel de Paris, London’s C Mayfair and New York’s Cipriani. This is a café where couture is welcome, so dress up and enjoy your visit.
It’s fun cruising around the streets and checking out the different architecture of the properties – they are all different but equally beautiful. Go with a local friend and they will tell you interesting stories about every single house – well known people have lived in or live in virtually every home in the area at some point. I love North Canon Drive because the streets are lined with palm trees and it’s super close to Rodeo. Christophe Choo is the best property agent in town and knows every street in Beverly Hills like the back of his hand.
There are so many incredible restaurants in Beverly Hills and the standard of service is really high. Many of the waiters are up-and-coming actors and ridiculously good looking (remember to always tip a minimum 20%). Villa Blanca, owned by Lisa Vanderpump, star of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and wife of Ken Todd is a key place for lunch or dinner to check out the local crowd. Fashion wise – glam up, or cool casual – basically everyone in Beverly Hills looks ready for their closeup at all times. The Ivy, another must do - is very fun for lunch and it is highly likely an A lister will be seated closeby. Simon Cowell of America’s Got Talent is a fixture as are stars and their power brokers. The food is superb and there are lots of fresh and vegetarian options – I feel like everyone is vegetarian in Beverly Hills – people are very health conscious and into ethical food.
Home of The Oscars, The Golden Globes, Grammys, Emmys and every other event in between, there is always something happening in Beverly Hills, so be ready with your gowns. For grooming, Beverly Hills has the best blowdry salons I have ever been to. The stylists are so fast (you can be blown to perfection in 30 mins) and so talented. The seats are extra low so the stylists are right above you performing blow dry magic – heaven! It is like having on set studio standard hair for $35 (plus tip). Remember, there is no humidity, so hair lasts all day too – extra bonus! In Beverly Hills parties start early and finish early as everyone wakes up early to exercise before heading the to the studios so make sure you arrive on time. There is a fashion boom in LA right now. DIOR just hosted an incredible 2018 cruise collection presentation by Maria Grazia Chiuri. Saint Laurent and Tom Ford have important bases in the city. Many events are at the Beverly Hills Hotel and the Beverly Wilshire and filming is always going on at restaurants and bars – remember this is the heart of the film and TV world.
Image Credits. Justin Nunuz, LVMH; Makeup: Charlotte Tilbury; Dresses: The 2nd Skin Madrid